FW3A, a TLF/BLF EDC flashlight - SST-20 available, coupon codes public

Thanks to folks for posting when they’ve ordered, as it gives us a sense of how far away we are from notification. Looks like I’ll be getting my PM somewhere between 1am ~ 2am. :slight_smile:

I get your point, but also think neutral white is good for everything. I do like warm tints, especially to make colors more vivid, I just wonder if 7A is TOO warm, hence being on the fence. Teacher’s death ray description made me laugh, but also makes me think I should just get a couple 3D’s instead of one of each. There will also be a warmer SST-20 down the road sometime.

As it was stated earlier, the SST-20 will be priced less because of the emitter. There will probably be a coupon for it too. I have no idea how much of a discount, though. However, if the XP-L HI runs out, you probably won’t have any trouble trading yours for someone else’s SST-20. Just something to consider.

Part of the struggle is that we do perceive light a little differently (I don’t know if it’s actual optical variations in eye composition, psychological, or just preference), so first hand experience is usually the best way to decide. I’m really curious about the combination of build quality, switch operation, and UI implementation. If it’s as good as everyone is expecting, then having two (one neutral, one warm) would solve the problem. I’m also curious about how difficult it will be to change out the emitter. There are different degrees of talent involved, depending upon how its implemented. Given the price of the light, emitter swap done by someone else would far exceed the light cost… which would be painful.

i got the first PM and will order!

but please add me for 1 more to the next batch for higher CRI, diff emitter, etc. thanks!

I’m waiting for the SST20

I’m in for one of the SST-20 or higher cri options when available.

That’s a great question for Neal. :slight_smile:

The answer might be complicated though, since shipping is a bit different for each country.

Neal runs NealsGadgets, which is the retailer for this project. His shop is where everyone is buying their FW3A lights.

Neal is also the person to ask about most FW3A-related questions from this point forward, since most of the questions will be about purchases and shipping and problems and returns and such. Customer support is a big part of his job as a retailer.

His contact info is in the notification message which is being sent to each person on the interest list. He’s also on BLF with the username of “Neal”.

After the group buy, I assume Lumintop will sell their own version too, with their bunny logo on the tail button.

No, it just means there were 1544 unique names on the list when the messages started going out.

Each person only needs one message, so I removed duplicates from the request list in order to produce a shorter private message list.

PM #962 received 16:22 EST

True, that. I generally stay far away from any tints that warm. However, it looks really nice in candle mode.

Now that I think about it, maybe I should get one just for that purpose.

… or of course I could keep using my Q8 for that, because it has a 3D-printed diffuser cap which makes the tint about 3000K warmer. :slight_smile:

That’s interesting. Usually people do the opposite.

Cool white throwers tend to make a bright blue beam in the air, and the beam obscures the target. This is caused by Rayleigh scattering. So a neutral or warm white thrower is usually more practical. But cool white works fine up close. And, as clemence has said, high-CRI cool white actually has a very full and useful color spectrum.

Correct.

There isn’t a second list for the SST-20 emitter type. The list doesn’t track that data at all.

I think what will happen is: As soon as Neal adds the SST-20 preorder option to his store, you should be able to order it with the code from your first message. But that is not confirmed yet. I don’t know how he will handle that.

Thanks so much, lads! Got my order in just now - looking forward to the SST20 too!

For anyone trying to sort when they might get their PM, spot #1287 came in at 3:40PM EST on Saturday 27 APR.

Thanks again! :slight_smile:

I got my PM and ordered three since they’re going to have the LEDs swapped anyway and I don’t want to wait any longer. I did get both CCTs so I can test the output and colour for others. Not very hopeful I will receive them any time soon with this volume of orders though.

Please add me to the list for one more (2 total), so I can also get the sst-20 when available. Thanks!

As far as mods go, this one is pretty easy. It uses a standard triple MCPCB. So basically just unscrew the bezel, unsolder two wires, swap the board, connect two wires, and screw the bezel back on.

would like sst 20 when available, thanks

Yep, you will get it right about 01:15 CST 28 April 2019 to be exact…._ very early_ Sunday. Provided the script keeps running smoothly, as it appears it has been thusfar. :+1:

1336 x 95 = 126,920 ÷ 3600 = 35.26 hours

PM Script began 14:00 CST 26 April 2019

Comparing different CCT with the same CRI 70 won’t be as eductional for your eyes and brain than comparing same CCT with different CRI (70 vs 90).
People who are searching for vivid colors are looking for high CRI (Ra = 90 with R9 = at least 60 (80 and more is better)).
When your eyes and brain can make the difference even a 3000°K CRI 70 LED make all colors, even red shades, look dull and dreary compared to a 4000°K CRI 95.
If you want vivid colors and don’t have an SST-20 4000°K CRI 95 flashlight yet, you should consider this option long before any XP-L HI CRI 70 flashlight whatever its CCT.